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    Resolution and External Displays

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009.

  1. Zachari9690

    Zachari9690 Notebook Geek

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    I am planning on buying a M860ETU and am trying to decide by the two screen size options: Glossy 1680 x 1050 OR Matte 1920 x 1200.

    I'd prefer Matte, personally, but I'm wondering if I even need a resolution that big for a 15.4" screen. Anyone have any experience/opinions on this?

    Also, is the max resolution of my laptop screen the max resolution of any external monitors I connect? This wouldn't completely make since to me because despite different screens they both have the same graphics card, but I can see it making since if you are trying to display a duplicate image on your laptop and external screen.
     
    Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009
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  2. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    you can run your internal and external screens at different resolutions.
    in win xp just go to the settings tab in the display properties.

    Edit: BTW that is the maximum resolution for the internal screen, an external screen has it's own max.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 9, 2009
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  3. Zachari9690

    Zachari9690 Notebook Geek

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    So to clarify, if I get the 1680 x 1050 laptop screen I could still run a monitor at 1920 x 1200?
    And in your opinion, is that resolution is too big for a 15.4" screen?
     
    Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009
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  4. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    yes. Edit: this would depend on your video card, but in your case I think it's fine.
    I don't know, but couldn't you just lower the resolution if you don't like it so high. just use the settings tab in the display properties again.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 9, 2009
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  5. Zachari9690

    Zachari9690 Notebook Geek

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    Yes, I could, but the larger resolution screen costs $170 more, so I want to know if I'll use it.
     
    Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009
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  6. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Actually I am interested in what other people think about that resolution myself.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 9, 2009
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  7. JMS3072

    JMS3072 Notebook Enthusiast

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    In my opinion, 1680x1050 is the perfect resolution for a 15" notebook. Unless there's a WXGA+ (1440x900) option available, you should go with it. 1920x1200 is too big for all but the 17" notebooks in my opinion.

    Full disclosure: I am 17, but with really bad eyes. I think that balances out pretty nicely as far as choosing monitors goes.
     
    JMS3072, Jul 9, 2009
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  8. Zachari9690

    Zachari9690 Notebook Geek

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    Ah, I suppose that is pretty good balance.
    However, I am 18 with really good eyes, so if you like 1680 x 1050 on a 15 incher then 1920 x 1200 might actually work for me :p
     
    Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009
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  9. mattmcss

    mattmcss Notebook Deity

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    I've had both 1680x1050 and 1920x1200 on a 15.4" and 1920x1200 is way too small - even with good eyes.

    I can see very well with my new glasses, 1680x1050 is the perfect resolution on a 15.4" display, and I would only go 1920x1200 on a bigger screen.
     
    mattmcss, Jul 9, 2009
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  10. Zachari9690

    Zachari9690 Notebook Geek

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    Oh, ok, that's good to know. Part of me is still wanting the larger one just for the Matte display. I absolutely hate that on my current glossy one I can see my reflection due to the faintest amount of light in my room :/
     
    Zachari9690, Jul 9, 2009
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